Heavy Rains From Isaias Bring Flooding, Power Outages To DC

WASHINGTON, DC — Tropical Storm Isaias was dumping heavy rain throughout the D.C. region Tuesday morning, as the storm moved out of northeastern North Carolina and into Virginia. The District remains under a flood warning until 2:30 p.m.

The storm is expected to center on the mid-Atlantic states Tuesday, before heading up to the northeastern U.S. and southern Canada, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Isaias was moving north-northeast at near 28 miles per hour at about 5 a.m. Tuesday, according to NHC. As of 8:40 a.m., the storm was centered about 80 miles south of the District. The general motion and speed is expected to increase through the day, although a faster rate of weakening is anticipated to begin Tuesday night. The system is forecasted to become post-tropical tonight or early Wednesday.

Isaias is moving NE across NC, crossing our region through the early PM. Heavy rain will intensify with significant flood potential, especially near & east of I-95. Winds will also increase in these areas, with wind damage possible. Tornadoes also possible, mainly near the Bay. pic.twitter.com/wUyXqUxsuz
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) August 4, 2020

Maximum sustained winds have been reported near 70 mph with higher gusts. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles from the center of the storm, according to NHC. Sustained winds of 39 mph were reported at Poquoson, Virginia, near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.

Isaias is expected to drop extremely heavy rainfall over the region on Tuesday. Areas east of I-95, especially those regions close to the Chesapeake Bay, could see tropical-storm-force wind gusts, topping 40 mph.

A flash flood watch is in effect for the region through 11 p.m. Tuesday. The heavy rainfall could cause small creeks and streams to become dangerous rivers and lead to downed trees and power outages.

Pepco reported just 291 of its 299,814 customers in the District were without power as of 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.

The Maryland Transportation Authority closed the Bay Bridge to traffic temporarily in both directions due to high wind speeds. MDTA is warning that its crossings, including the Bay Bridge, could shut down at a moment's notice throughout the day.

BRIDGE STATUS: Bay Bridge traffic temporary held. Nice/Middleton Bridge under limited restrictions (no house trailers or empty box trailers). Wind warnings at Hatem & Key Bridge. Policy detailed here https://t.co/UuSaI93qps #mdwx #mdtraffic
— MDTA (@TheMDTA) August 4, 2020

Also in Maryland, Baltimore County was under a tornado warning until 10 a.m. Tuesday.

In Northern Virginia, the tropical storm warning is in effect for Arlington County, Falls Church, Fairfax County and Prince William County. The tropical storm warning is also in effect for Spotsylvania and Stafford counties.

DC, Northern Virginia (except Loudoun County), Stafford, Spotsylvania and Fredericksburg are included in the tropical storm warning issued Monday. This warning means tropical storm-force winds are expected in the area, according to the National Weather Service. These areas could see winds between 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.

While select counties are under the tropical storm warning, a flash flood watch has also been issued for the greater region through Tuesday evening. Forecasters expect 3 to 6 inches of rain from late Monday and into much of Tuesday. The amount of rainfall could lead to significant flash flooding of small streams and creeks throughout the day and into Tuesday evening.

WMATA closed the Cleveland Park Metro Station Tuesday morning, since the area near its entrances was prone to flash flooding, according to WTOP. By 1:35 p.m., WMATA announced that the stationed had reopened to the pubic.

High water is also hampering travel for commuters on local roads. Commuters southbound on I-295 are being diverted to the Malcolm X Avenue exit ramp to avoid standing water, WTOP reported.

Metrobus reports that its buses may experience delays in both directions due to high standing water on New Hampshire Avenue at Sligo Creek Parkway and Piney Branch Road. In addition, buses may experience delays in both directions due to high standing water on South Capitol Street, Southeast at Malcolm X Avenue and Firth Sterling Avenue.

Mayor Muriel Bowser posted on Twitter that all meal distribution sites and All COVID-19 testing sites, including those at fire stations, would be closed Tuesday due to the storm. Likewise, all grocery distribution sites would be closed as well.

Due to the incoming tropical storm, the following are closed today, Tuesday, August 4:

-All meal distribution sites

-All COVID-19 testing sites, including fire stations

-All grocery distribution sites
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) August 4, 2020

The District government suggests D.C. residents take the following steps to prepare for the storm:

• Sign up for AlertDC to received real-time weather alerts from District officials: alertdc.dc.gov.
• Build or re-stock your emergency kit with supplies to last you at least three days and ensure your kit has been updated to address impacts from COVID-19 by including item such as face masks, soap, hand sanitizer, and cleaning supplies.
• Bring objects inside that could become airborne in high winds (e.g., patio furniture and garbage cans).
• Secure outdoor loose objects that are unsafe to bring indoors (e.g., propane tanks).
• Clean out your home's gutters and empty your rain barrels.
• Contact D.C. Water at 202-612-3400 to report clogged sewer drains.
• Report power outages to Pepco at 1-877-737-2662.
• Visit ready.dc.gov/hurricane for COVID-19 compliant hurricane preparedness tips.
• Follow HSEMA on Twitter for updated information on potential storm impacts.

Patch is tracking every move of Tropical Storm Isaias. Get all the updates on the storm by subscribing to Patch's free breaking news alerts and daily newsletters.

SEE ALSO:

• Traffic Held On Bay Bridge As Tropical Storm Isaias Hits Maryland
• Isaias Crossing VA; 330K Without Power; Flash Flooding Likely
• Isaias Impact In DC: Forecast, How To Prepare